NHL Franchise Notes: Penguins Tackling Giant Ticket-Distribution Task

In Pittsburgh, Bob Cohn notes among the "several lockout-induced tasks needing completion before the Penguins' Jan. 23 home opener, none looms larger than getting fans their tickets." Ticket printing "started Friday night ahead of Saturday‘s official approval of the schedule." The Penguins have "about 16,000 full and partial season-ticket holders, with another 2,000 tickets set aside for single games." The club "not only mails its tickets, but also prints them, a formidable task considering that 11 of the 24 home dates left after the lockout were rescheduled." The "approximately 64,000 tickets for the first four home games went out first, which meant considerable printing and envelope-stuffing." Penguins VP/Ticket Sales Chad Slencak said that the tickets "should arrive by the end of the week" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 1/15).

MOTORING ON: In Detroit, Helene St. James writes the Red Wings have "solid support -- an estimated 1,000 fans watched Day 2 of camp -- but even so, there's recognition that it'll take some work to soothe the anger fans feel after the 113-day lockout." Red Wings RW Danny Cleary said players recognize that "we've upset a lot of fans," especially "the fickle fan." Cleary: "Our jobs, as players, is to put a good product on the ice, sign an extra autograph, as many autographs as you can. With the shortened season, it's going to be hard to do a lot of appearances, to get out there in the community. All I know is, our team will work hard to represent the jersey proudly" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 1/15).

ATTACKING PRICES: The Sharks yesterday announced a series of fan appreciation promotions that will take place over the next several weeks. Season-ticket holders, executive suite owners and corporate partners will receive a double discount (now 30%, normally 15%) on all regularly priced Sharks merchandise from Jan. 16-31. For all five Sharks home games in January, fans purchasing a main meal item at any main concourse or Comerica Bank Club food service station with fountain drink will receive a free 16 oz. soda (Sharks).

COLUMBUS DAY: The Blue Jackets yesterday announced a pair of ticket offers and several in-game festivities around the club's Jan. 21 home-opener against the Red Wings. Fans who purchase a ticket for the game will get a second of equal value for no additional cost. The Blue Jackets and Ticketmaster also will waive convenience and order processing fees for online ticket purchases from Jan. 15-21 (Blue Jackets).